Frida
Written by Jonah Winter
Illustrated by Ana Juan
Full Summary
This is a short biographical book about Frida Kahlo. It is chronological, so it starts with her childhood home in Coyocán (a part of Mexico City), her parents, her siblings, her loneliness and her childhood polio. Polio is not specifically named until the afterword, but the book tells how she was sick, bed ridden and that there’s a problem with her leg. Young Frida uses art and imagination to cope with her feelings and illness. Frida recovers but is soon in the infamous collision between the bus and trolley where she was gravely injured. The book chronicles briefly her pain and disability and how she channeled all of it into incredible art.
What’s notable about this book
Ana Juan’s illustrations are breathtaking and colorful. They really honor the spirit of the artist. This differs from any Frida Kahlo biographical work I’ve ever seen in that it does not mention Diego Rivera at all (unless you read the afterword). I found that refreshing and respectful of her standalone contribution to the art world, as opposed to the way she is often portrayed as one half (or less) of an art power couple. The book does not specifically state that Frida is Mestiza, nor mention her bisexuality, so those are things that should be mentioned/explained by the person giving the book to the child. This portrait is tender and sweet; kind of bittersweet because it emphasizes her trials so heavily. The book successfully communicates that her work was important.
Children of all ages will be enthralled by the illustrations, but the material may be too advanced for very young listeners/readers.
